Tech: Government of India to use Anthropic’s powerful AI; here’s the plan..
In today’s digital era, cyberattacks have become more dangerous and sophisticated than ever before. Hackers are constantly employing new techniques to steal data and compromise systems. In response, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)—the nodal agency responsible for securing India’s digital space—has geared up. According to sources within the Ministry of IT, CERT-In has gained access to 'Mythos AI,' developed by Anthropic—one of the world’s most advanced and confidential AI models.
What is Mythos AI, and why is it so significant?
It is important to note that Mythos is not an ordinary AI tool accessible to the general public; it has been specifically designed to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity. This tool has been granted to only a select few, highly trusted organizations globally. Its cybersecurity capabilities are so potent that, if it were to fall into the wrong hands, it could be severely misused, potentially enabling hackers to launch dangerous cyberattacks.
CERT-In, the government agency, will utilize this AI model to identify vulnerabilities within systems and strengthen its capacity to counter emerging cyber threats.
Why is such extreme caution being exercised?
Despite having access to such powerful technology, the government is choosing not to rush. Sources indicate that CERT-In will employ this AI model with great deliberation and care. Initially, the model will be used solely for experimental purposes to fully understand its capabilities and the associated risks.
Explaining the rationale behind this approach, a source from the Ministry offered a compelling insight: "We will gradually route the elements we wish to test through it. It will be a slow process. Our primary focus is to ensure that the 'cure' does not end up being more dangerous than the 'disease' itself."
Emphasis on the Responsible Use of AI (AI Regulations in India)
While AI offers significant benefits, it also carries substantial risks. Recently, the telecom regulator, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), issued draft guidelines for the responsible use of AI within telecom networks. These guidelines require companies to formulate AI policies and report any serious incidents.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has fully supported this move by TRAI. The Ministry holds the view that the impact of AI varies across different sectors. In critical infrastructure sectors—such as banking, power, or telecommunications—the risks associated with AI are significantly higher, necessitating stricter regulations. According to sources, if MeitY were to establish a single, rigid set of regulations for the entire country, it could adversely affect sectors where the risks posed by AI are relatively low. Therefore, it is more appropriate for sectoral regulators to formulate stringent rules tailored to their respective domains.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is also preparing to release a comprehensive consultation paper on AI regulation. This paper is expected to outline regulations addressing key issues, such as AI safety, curbing the menace of deepfakes, and ensuring that human interests remain a priority.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
